Kawasaki FD501D (437 cc, 16.0 HP) water-cooling engine: review and specs

The Kawasaki FD501D is a 0.44 l (437 cc, 26.67 cu-in) V-twin 90° liquid-cooled 4-stroke internal combustion small gasoline motor with horisontal shaft, manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries LTd., for general-purpose applications.

The FD501D has OHV (overhead valve design); cast-iron cylinder liners; float type carburetor with fixed main jet; pulse type fuel pump; full transistor ignition system with fixed timing; mechanical governor and low tone muffler. The Kawasaki FD501D uses a full pressure lubrication system with spin-on oil filter and dual element air cleaner.

The engine was equipped with solenoid shift-type electric starter and 12V-15A charging coil with a regulator.

The Kawasaki FD501D develops 16.2 PS (11.9 kW; 16.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm and 32.6 Nm (3.33 kg·m; 24.06 ft·lb) at 2,800 rpm of torque. A 67.0 mm (2.64 in) cylinder bore and 62.0 mm (2.44 in) piston stroke give the motor a total of 437 cc of displacement. Compression ratio rating is 9.0:1 or 9.3:1.

General information

Engine Specifications
Model	FD501D
Type	4-stroke, OHV, V-twin 90°
Displacement	437 cm ³ (26.67 cu-in)
Max. horsepower	16.2 PS (11.9 KW; 16.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm
Max. torque (crank PTO)	32.6 Nm (3.33 kg·m; 24.06 ft·lb) at 2,800 rpm
Carburetor	Float type
Cooling system	Liquid-cooling
Ignition system	Transistorized ignition
Lubricating system	Pressure feed lubrication system
Starting system	Electric starter
Charging system	12 Volt – 15A with regulator
Fuel used	Unleaded gasoline (octane number 86 or higher)
Fuel consumption	245 g/HPh
Cooling system	Pressurized forced circulation type

Dimensions and Weight

	Kawasaki FD501D
Length, mm (in)	523 (20.6)
Width, mm (in)	411 (16.2)
Height, mm (in)	534 (21.0)
Dry weight, kg (lb)	37.2 (82.0)

Tightening torque specs

Tightening torque specs
Cylinder head	21 Nm; 2.1 kg·m; 15.5 ft·lb
Connecting rod	12 Nm; 1.2 kg·m; 9 ft·lb
Flywheel	88 Nm; 9.0 kg·m; 65 ft·lb
Crankcase cover	21 Nm; 2.1 kg·m; 15.5 ft·lb
Intake manifold	8 Nm; 8.0 kg·m; 6 ft·lb
Oil drain plug	25 Nm; 2.5 kg·m; 18.5 ft·lb
Valve clearance lock nut	8.8 Nm; 0.9 kg·m; 6.5 ft·lb

Maintenance data

Engine
Maximum speed	3500 ± 100 rpm
Idle speed	1500 ± 100 rpm
Cylinder compression	12.0 kg/cm² (170 psi) at 500 rpm
Valve clearance
Intake valve	0.25 mm (0.010 in)
Exhaust valve	0.25 mm (0.010 in)
Oil system
Oil type	4-stroke or an equivalent (SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, or SH)
Recommended oil	SAE 10W-40, 10W-30, 5W-20
Oil capacity (with filter changed)	1.3 L (1.4 US qt)
Ignition system
Spark plug	NGK: BPR4ES
Spark plug gap	0.6-0.7 mm (0.024-0.028 in)
Spark plug tightening torque	17 Nm; 1.7 kg·m; 12.5 ft·lb

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Louis Forgett says:
January 11, 2021 at 2:59 am
Hello and Hope you can help me with a question about a horizontal fd501v. I want to redesign some components to stand it with valve covers on top and run a large compressor. I can easily modify the carburetor and filling fuild components to be in the right position. If I bolt your fd501v to a verticle plate will there be any Lubrication problems ect when I run the engine standing up?